Difluoromethylene substituted prostaglandin derivatives

ABSTRACT

Novel antimeric or racemic prostaglandin derivatives having a difluoromethylene group attached to the C-11, 12 positions of the molecule, oxygenated functions at C-9 and C-15 and unsaturations at C-13 or at C-5 and C-13, which may be further substituted at C-15 by a methyl or ethyl group, the C-20 nor- or bisnorderivatives and certain C-20 alkyl derivatives thereof, processes for the production of such compounds and novel and useful intermediates obtained thereby. Also included are the methyl esters of the carboxylic acid function and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. These compounds possess prostaglandinlike activities and thus are useful in the treatment of mammals, where prostaglandins are indicated.

[451 Feb. 18, 1975 DIFLUOROMETHYLENE SUBSTITUTED PROSTAGLANDIN DERIVATIVES [75] Inventor:

[73] Assignee: Syntex (U.S.A.) Inc., Palo Alto,

Calif.

Filed: July 13, 1973 Appl. No.: 379,127

Related US. Application Data [63] Continuation-impart of Ser. No. 287,333, Sept. 8,

1972, abandoned.

Pierre Crabbe, Grenoble, France [52] U.S. Cl..... 260/468 D, 260/240 R, 260/243.56, 260/3432 R, 260/3462 M, 260/50l.1l,

[51] Int. Cl... C07c 61/32, C07c 61/36, C07c 61/74 [58} Field of Search 260/468 D, 514 D [56] References Cited OTHER PUBLlCATlONS Kirmse, Carbene Chemistry, 2nd ed., p. 314, (1971).

Primary ExaminerRobert Gerstl Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Gerard A. Blaufarb; Leon Simon; William B. Walker [57] ABSTRACT Novel antimeric or racemic prostaglandin derivatives having a difluoromethylene group attached to the C-1 1, 12 positions of the molecule, oxygenated functions at C-9 and C15 and unsaturations at C-13 or at C-5 and C-l3, which may be further substituted at C-l5 by a methyl or ethyl group, the C-20 noror bisnorderivatives and certain C20 alkyl derivatives thereof, processes for the production of such compounds and novel and useful intermediates obtained thereby. Also included are the methyl esters of the carboxylic acid function and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. These compounds possess prostaglandin-like activities and thus are useful in the treatment of mammals, where prostaglandins are indicated.

127 Claims, N0 Drawings DIFLUOROMETHYLENE SUBSTITUTED PROSTAGLANDIN DERIVATIVES This application is a continuation in-part of application Ser. No. 287,333 filed Sept. 8, 1972, now abandoned, which is hereby incorporated by reference and made a part hereof.

The present invention relates to certain novel prostaglandin derivatives, to a process for the production thereof and to certain novel intermediates obtained by this process.

In a further aspect, the present invention relates to antimeric and racemic prosta-l3-trans-enoic acid derivatives and 5-cis-l3-trans-dienoic acid derivatives having a difluoromethylene (difluorocyclopropyl) group attached to the C-1 1,12 positions, and oxygenated functions at C-9 and C- positions of the molecule, which may be further substituted at C-l5 by a methyl or ethyl group, the C--nor or bisnor derivatives and certain C-ZO-alkyl derivatives thereof, the alkyl group containing from 1 to 4 carbon atoms inclu sive, processes for the production of such compounds and novel and useful intermediates obtained thereby. Also included are the methyl esters of the carboxylic acid function and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

Prostaglandins are a group of chemically related 20- carbon chain hydroxy fatty acids having the basic skel' eton of prostanoic acid:

PROSTANOIC ACID The prostaglandins having a keto group at the C-9 position are known as the PGE series, those having a hydroxyl group in place of the keto group are known as the PGF series and are further designated by an a or B suffix to indicate the configuration of the hydroxyl group at said position. The natural compounds are the 9a'hydroxy substituted compounds. They may contain different degrees of unsaturation in the molecule, particularly at C-5, 01 3 and C17, the unsaturation is also indicated by a suffix. For a review on prostaglandins and the definition of primary prostaglandins, see for example S. Bergstrom, Recent Progress in Hormone Research 22, pp. 153-175 (1966) and Science 157, page 382 (1967) by the same author.

Prostaglandins are widely distributed in mammalian tissues and have been isolated from natural sources in very small amounts. In addition a number of the natural occurring prostaglandins have been prepared by chemical synthesis; note, for example, J. Am. Chem. Soc. 91, 5675 (1969), J. Am. Chem. Soc. 92, 2586 (1970) and J. Am. Chem. Soc. 95, 1489-1493 (1971) and references cited therein, W. P. Schneider et al, J. Am. Chem. Soc. 90, 5895 (1968), U. Axen et a1, Chem. Commun., 303 1969), and W. P. Schneider, Chem. Commun. 304 (1969).

Because of the remarkable range of biological and pharmacological properties exhibited by this family of compounds, at great deal of interest has focused upon such compounds and the preparation of analogs of such compounds; accordingly we have discovered processes and intermediates for preparing modified prostaglandins and derivatives thereof.

The novel prostaglandin derivatives of the present invention can be represented by the following generic formula:

3 CF R H which comprises racemic mixtures and antimeric compounds wherein R represents an alkyl group of straight chain of three through nine carbon atoms inclusive; R represents a keto group or the grouping and OH I H- R represents hydrogen, methyl or ethyl;

Z represents a single bond or a eis double bond; and the wavy line (E) indicates the a or B configuration or mixtures thereof, provided that a. when the side chain attached at the C-12 position is B, the difluoromethylene group at the C-11,12 positions is 1101,1204 only; and when the side chain attached at the C-12 position is or, the di fluoromethylene group at the C-1 1,12 positions is 11B,12B only; and

b. when R is a, the hydroxyl group, attached to the same carbon as R is B; and when R is B, the hydroxyl group, attached to the same carbon as R", is

and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts or methyl esters thereof.

The antimeric compounds encompassed by formula (1) above can be represented in further detail as follows:

The antimeric compounds wherein R is keto and the side chain attached at the C-12 position is B, can be represented by the subgeneric formulas:

and

COOH

3 4 The untimeric compounds wherein R is The antimeric compounds wherein R is n on H H and the side chain attached at the f-l2 position is [3, S and the Side Chain attached at thc C42 position is a can he represented by the subgencrlc formulas: can he represented by the subgcncric formulas:

and OH i l v 5 (J) "W COOH m COOH /b (r) OH CF R ll 2 R (D) 2 The antimeric Compounds wherein R2 is The antlmeric compounds wherein R- IS OH OH I L--- H H and the side chain attached at the C-l2 position is a,

and the side chain attached at the C-l2 position is B, can be represented y the sugencric formulag can be represented by the sub generic formulas:

and

COOH

OH OH I Z COOH K R I CF R H M In turn, the antimeric compounds of Formula (A) The antimeric compound wherein R is ketO and the and (B) wherein R is a and the hydroxyl group, at-

side chain attached at the C12 position is a, can be h d o the same carbon atom as R, is B, can be reprepresented by the subgeneric formulas: resented b h f l and those wherein R is B and the hydroxyl group, aton tached to the same carbon atom as R", is a, can be represented by the formulas:

COOH

er no R I and those wherein R is B and the hydroxyl group, attached to the same carbon atom as R", is a, can be represented by the formulas:

COOH l Z R 0H (Bo The antimeric compounds of formulas (C) and (D) wherein R is a and the hydroxyl group, attached to the same carbon atom as R", is B, can be represented by the COOH formulas:

- WCQOH (Fu) The antimeric compounds of Formulas (G) and (H) wherein R is a and the hydroxyl group, attached to the same carbon atom as R", is B can be represented by the 2 formulas:

(C' and COOH 6P o R and those wherein R is B and the hydroxyl group, at- 40 tached to the same carbon atom as R", is a, can be represented by the formulas:

and those wherein R is B and the hydroxyl group, attached t0 the same carbon atom at R", is a can be represented by the formulas:

COOH

0 C1 R (Du) The antimeric compounds of formulas (E) and (F) 0 wherein R is a and the hydroxyl group, attached to the Z same carbon atom as R, is B, can be represented by the W CQOH formulas: R

OF R on The antimeric compounds of Formulas (J) and (K) wherein R is a and the hydroxyl group, attached to the same carbon atom as R, is B, can be represented by the formulas:

COOH and COOH

R CF OH R and those wherein R is B and the hydroxyl group, attached to the same carbon atom as R", is a, can be represented by the formulas:

COOH

U") and e7 2 R H (10') The antimeric compounds of formulas (L) and (M) wherein R is a and the hydroxyl group, attached to the same carbon atom as R is B, can be represented by the formulas:

COOH

' WCOOH '2 on R (w and those wherein R is ,8 and the hydroxyl group, attached to the same carbon atom as R, is a, can be represented by the formulas:

The racemic mixtures encompassed by formula I above are mixtures in equal proportion of the following compounds:

(A') and ((i") (B') and (H"] (C') and (L'') (D) and (M") (E') and U") (F) and m") (G') and UV) (H) and (8'') (.l') and (E") (K') and (F") (L') and (C"l (M) and (D") The dotted lines shown in the above formulas and in the formulas below indicate that the substituents are in the a configuration, i.e., below the plane of the cyclopentane ring.

The compounds of formulas A, C and E possess the side chain at C-8 in a configuration and the side chain at C-l2 in B configuration, thus the side chains are trans with respect to the cyclopentane nucleus, as in natural prostaglandins. The compounds of formulas G, J and L also have the side chains in trans configuration; however, the side chain at O8 is [3 and the side chain at C-1 2 is a, i.e., they are opposite to the configuration of natural prostaglandins. The side chains in compounds of formulas B, D and F are (6,3) cis while the side chains in compounds of formulas H, K and M are (01,01) cis'with respect to the cyelopentane nucleus.

The double bonds in the compounds of the present invention have the same configuration as in natural prostaglandins of the E or E or F or F series. i.e., the double bond at C-5,6 is in cis configuration and the double bond at O1 3,14 is in trans configuration.

When the compounds of the present invention are raeemie mixtures, they are produced starting from racemates, while when the compounds of the invention are indvidual antimers the compounds are preferably obtained starting from the appropriate individual antimer.

The use of the symbol *R or 8" preceding a substituent designates the absolute stereochemistry of that substituent according to the Cahn-lngold-Prelog rules [see Cahn et al., Angew. Chem. Inter. Edit, Vol 5, p. 385 (i966), errata p. 5l 1; Cahn et al., Angew. Chem., Vol. 78, p. 413 1966): Cahn and lngold, J. Chem. Soc. (London), 1951, p. 612; Cahn et al., Experiemia, Vol. 12, p. 8l (1956); Cahn. J. Chem. Educ, Vol. 41 p. H6 (1964)]. Because of the interrelation of the designated substituent with the other substituents in the compound having a or fitprefixes, the designation of the absolute configuration of one substituent fixes the absolute configuration of all substituents in the compound and thus the absolute configuration of the compound as a whole.

The preferred compounds of the present invention are those in which the side chain attached to the C-1 2 position has the same unit structure of natural prostaglandins, i.e., the compounds wherein R is the group n-pentyl.

The numbering system and the stereochemistry nomenclature used herein for the compounds ofthe present invention is the art accepted numbering and stereochemistry nomenclature [see Progress in 1/10 Chemistry of Fats and Other Lipids, Vol. lX', Part 2, pages 233-236 (1968) Pergamon Press, New York, and J. Lipids Research, Vol. l0, pages 316 to 3l9 (l969)]. The a or B configuration for the side chains has been indicated only in the cases wherein one or both side chains are attached to the cyclopentane ring in opposite configuration to the configuration of natural prostaglandins, i.e., when the carboxylic side chain at C-8 is in B configuration and/or the alkyl side chain at O1 2 is in a configuration.

The term pharmaceutically acceptable salts" refers to those salts which do not significantly adversely affect the pharmacological properties of the parent com pound, Suitable pharmaceutically acceptable salts include, for example, metal salts such as sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, aluminum, and the like, as well as organic amine salts, such as ammonium, diethylamine,B-(dimethylamino) ethanol, B-(diethylamino) ethanol, lysine, arginine, caffeine, procaine, N- ethylpiperidine and the like.

The individual antimeric compounds of the present invention, except those which are further substituted at C-lS by a methyl or ethyl group can be obtained by a process illustrated by the following scheme:

0 III y n IV 1T o IV-A wherein R has the above-indicated meaning;

R represents hydrogen or methyl;

THP is tetrahydropyranyl and Ac is acetyl.

In practicing the process illustrated above, the starting compound, namely l'R-(2a-hydroxy-4a-acetoxy- 5 'B-formylcyclopent-l 'a-yl)-acetic acid l,2'-lactone, represented by formula A-l is treated with the sodium anion of dimethyl 2-oxo-n-alkylphosphonate of the formula:

wherein m is an integer of from 2 to 8, in dimethoxyethane solution to produce a mixture of the trans enone and dienone lactones of formulas [I and ill, respectively, which are separated by conventional techniques. In addition, acid or base treatment of II affords lll, thus increasing the yield of the latter compound. This alkylation involves a modified Wittig reaction. Procedures for the Wittig reaction are well known in the art, see for example S. Trippet et al, Adv. in Organic Chemistry, Vol. l, pages 83-l02, S. Trippet, Quaterly Reviews, Vol. 17, pages 400-440. The sodium anion of a dimethyl 2-oxo-n-alkylphosphonate is prepared in accordance with the method described by E. J. Corey et al, J. Am. Chem. Soc, 88, 5654 (1966), from dimethyl a-lithiomethanephosphonate .and a methyl or ethyl ester of a n-alkanoic acid containing from 4 to 9 carbon atoms, e.g., ethyl n-butanoate, methyl-n-hexanoate, methyl n-octanoate and ethyl n-nonanoate. The reaction is preferably conducted under an inert atmosphere, i.e., under nitrogen or argon atmosphere at temperatures of about from 0C to 40C, preferably at room temperature or below, using at least one molar equivalent of the reagent per mol of aldehyde, and preferably 1.2 to 2 moles. This reaction is typically carried out for a period of about one to four hours, depending on the temperature and concentration of the reaction mixture. In the preferred conditions, the reac-- tion is conducted at room temperature for about two hours. The reaction product can be recovered from the reaction mixture by neutralization of the excess base with acetic acid to pH-7, followed by evaporation of the solvent under high vacuum, at low temperature, or by adding water and extracting the product with an adequate solvent immiscible with water, e.g., methylene chloride, diethyl ether and the like, followed by evaporation of the solvent. Compounds II and III are separated by conventional techniques, such as chromatography on silica gel or thin-layer chromatography (t.l.c.).

in the keystone step of our process the l 'R-antimeric dienone of formula III is then treated with difluorocarbene in a suitable organic solvent resulting in the addition of a difluorocyclopropyl group across the double bond most remote to a keto group, i.e., the ring double bond, thus affording a mixture of the two epimerie difluoromethylenc l-S-antimeric compounds of formulas IV and lV-A in which the fused difluoroeyclopropyl group is in a or B configurations, respectively. The side chain in compound of formula IV is in B configuration, i.e., it has the configuration required for natural prostaglandins, while the compound of formula lV-A has the side chain attached in a configuration. These compounds are readily separated by conventional techniques, known to the skilled in the art.

in the preferred embodiments, the reaction is conducted under anhydrous conditions, using sodium chlorodifluoroacetate as source of'difluorocarbene, at a temperature above which the salt decomposes, using an inert nonaqueous solvent of sufficient polarity to dissolve the haloacid salt. Suitable solvents include dimethoxyethane, diethyleneglycol dimethyl ether (diglyme), triethylene glycol dimethyl ether and the like. Generally, the reaction is performed at temperatures in the range of about to C and preferably at the boiling point of the solvent used, for a period of time of about five minutesto one hour. The course of the reaction can be monitored by thin-layer chromatography or by determination of the UV spectrum.

Alternatively, this difluorocyclopropyl addition can be effected with other reagents known to generate difluorocarbenes such as phenyl (trifluoromethyl) mercury and trimethyl (trifluoromethyl) tin in the presence of sodium iodide in an aromatic hydrocarbon solvent, at or near the boiling point of the solvent used for a period of time of the order of about two to about 18 hours.

The lS-antimeric difluoromethylene compounds of formulas IV and lV-A can be separated by conventional techniques such as fractional crystallization, column chromatography or thin-layer chromatography. The individual compounds are in turn submitted separately to the same sequence of reactions in order to obtain the difluoromethylene prostaglandin antimers of the invention.

Thus, the keto group of the l'S-antirneric enone lactones of formulas IV or lV-A can be selectively reduced with a solution of zinc borohydride in an ether solvent such as dimethoxyethane, to yield a mixture of the a-hydroxy compound and the B isomer thereof (V-A and V-B and V-C and V-D, respectively). The reaction is conducted at temperatures in the range of about from 5 to 20C for about from 15 minutes to three hours, preferably using an excess of zinc borohydride. The zinc borohydride reagent solution can be prepared from freshly fused zinc chloride and sodium borohydride in dimethoxyethane.

The isomeric aand B-hydroxy compounds can be separated by conventional chromatography on silica gel or by thin-layer chromatography.

Alternatively, the reduction step can be carried out via treatment with a borohydride ion (conveniently prepared by reaction of a trialkylborane derivative from either racemic or (+)-limonene, t-hexylborane and t-butyllithium) in the presence of hexamethylphosphoramide, at about from l 30C to l 00C and preferably l 20C. The predominant product of this treatment is the a-alcohol and only small or negligible amounts of the B-isomer is obtained.

A lS-antimeric a-hydroxy compound of formula V-A can be etherified with dihydropyran in methylene chloride, in the presence of catalytic amounts of an acid catalyst (e.g., p-toluensulfonic acid), under anhydrous conditions, to produce the tetrahydropyranyloxy derivatives of formula Vl-A. Typically the reaction is conducted at about room temperature for about l5 minutes, using about three molar equivalents of dihydropyran in an inert organic solvent, e.g., using methylene chloride as solvent. A larger excess of dihydropyran, or longer reaction periods, produce polymerization of this reagent.

The product can be isolated by adding a few drops of pyridine to the reaction mixture, followed by conventional extraction and evaporation of the organic extract.

The l'S-isomeric lactol of formula Vll-A can be prepared by reduction of the lactone of formula Vl-A with about from 1.1 to 3 molar equivalents of diisobutylaluminum hydride in a suitable inert organic solvent. Typically, the reduction is conducted at about from 30 to 70C, preferably at about 60C, for a period of about from 10 to 30 minutes, preferably using about two molar equivalents of the diisobutylaluminum hydride. Suitable inert organic solvents for this reaction include, for example, the aromatic hydrocarbons such as toluene or xylene.

The product can be isolated from the reaction mixture by conventional separation procedures and can be used for the next step with or without separation of the isomers.

The 8S-l la, l2a-difluoromethylene prostadienoic acid derivative of formula Vlll-A can be prepared by condensation of the crude 8S-lactol Vll-A with the Wittig reagent derived from S-triphenylphosphoniopentanoic acid and sodium methylsulfinylcarbanion in dimethylsulfoxide solution.

Typically, this reaction is, conducted under anhydrous conditions for about two to 24 hours at temperatures in the range of about from l5 to 50C. This reaction is preferably carried out under an inert atmosphere, e.g., under argon or nitrogen atmosphere. Typically the triphenylphosphoniopentanoic acid is used in an amount varying from about two to about five moles per mol of starting lactol VII-A and the amount of sodium methylsulfinyl carbanion varies between about two to about moles. In the preferred embodiments 2.5 molar equivalents .of the acid reagent and five molar equivalents of the carbanion reagent are used per mol of lactol. The product is obtained as the sodium salt soluble in water, which can be converted to the free acid by acidification with oxalic acid or another weak acid to pH-Z, followed by conventional extraction and evaporation. Preferably the prostaglandin derivative VIII-A is further purified by thin-layer chromatography. The 5-triphenylphosphoniopentanoic acid can be prepared according to the procedure described by R. Greenwald et al, in J. Org. Chem., 28, page 1128 (1963), from S-bromopentanoic acid and triphenylphosphine in acetonitrile. The sodium methylsulfinyl carbanion can be obtained from sodium hydride and dimethylsulfoxide, stirring the mixture at about 75C until the evolution of gas ceases. Generally, it is preferred to prepare these reagents just prior to the reaction with the lactol of formula Vll-A.

The 8R-prostadien0ic acid compounds of formula lX-A can be prepared by oxidation of the corresponding 8S-9a-hydroxylated compound of formula Vlll-A with Jones reagent, Collins reagent or with aqueous chromic acid in diethyl ether [H. C. Brown et al, J. Org. Chem, 36, page 387 (1971)]. This product can in turn by hydrolyzed under mild acidic conditions for example, by treatment with a weak acid (e.g., acetic acid, oxalic acid, tartaric acid and the like) in the presence of water, to yield the 8R- compound of formula X-A. Preferably the starting material of formula lX-A is first dissolved in an inert water miscible organic solvent (e.g., tetrahydrofuran, dioxane and the like) prior to treatment with the weak acid. This hydrolysis is preferably conducted using aqueous acetic acid, at a temper ature in the range of about from 0 to C for about 5 four to about l0 hours. The preferred concentration of aqueous acetic acid is percent wt./wt. however, other concentrations can, or course, also be used.

The 8S-monounsaturated compounds of formula XI-A can be conveniently prepared by selectively reducing the C-5(6)-olefin bond in the corresponding dienioc compounds of formula Vlll-A. This can be conveniently effected by applying the procedure described by Koch et al, in the Journal of Labelled Compounds, Vol. Vl, No. 4, page 395 (1970), with respect to the selective reduction of PGE prostaglandins to PGE, pros taglandins, to the dienoic compounds of formula VI- A.

By esterification of an 8R-compound of formula X-A with ethereal diazomethane, in a conventional manner, followed by reduction with sodium borohydride in a lower aliphatic alcohol such as methanol or ethanol, at about room temperature-for a period of time of about 30 minutes to one hour, there is obtained a mixture of the corresponding -90: and 9B-hydroxy compounds, (Xll-A and XllI-A, R Me) which are separated by chromatography on silica gel, obtaining approximately equal amounts of each isomer. The alkyl ester group is then hydrolyzed by chemical or enzymatic methods, to yield the corresponding free acids (Xll'A and Xlll-A, R H).

When this hydrolysis is effected chemically, the methyl ester compound is dissolved in a lower aliphatic alcohol such as methanol or ethanol and treated with an aqueous. solution of an alkali metal carbonate-cg. sodium carbonate or potassium carbonate at a temperature above room temperature, of the order of about 30 to 50C., preferably at about 40C. for a period of time of about 12 to 20 hours, preferably for about 16 hours, thus yielding, after acidification, the corresponding 8S-prostadienoic acid compound of formulas Xll-A or Xlll-A (R H). This hydrolysis is preferably conducted under an inert atmosphere i.e., under nitrogen or argon atmosphere.

Alternatively, the methyl ester group can be hydrolyzed by using enzymes in aqueous solutions. For this enzymatic hydrolysis, there is preferably used a crude pancreatic lipase commercially available (Sigma Steapsin), however, other enzyme systems which are known as useful for the hydrolysis of compounds unstable to alkaline or acid conditions can also be practical. Other lipases obtainable from bacterial sources, such as the partially purified lipase obtained from Corynebacterium acnes culture supernatant can also be used, or a lipase of those that are known to act on water insoluble esters of long chain fatty acids[L. Sarda et al, Biochem. Biophys. Acta. 23:264 (1957)], or bakers yeast (C. J. Sih et al., J. C. S. Chem. Comm. 240 (1972)].

The hydrolysis of the methyl ester group with the crude pancreatic lipase can be conducted in a buffered aqueous solution containing sodium chloride and calcium chloride, at a neutral or almost neutral pH, at a temperature of between 22 to 30C, preferably at about 25 to 27C., adjusting the pH of the reaction mixture to 7.2 to 7.4 by addition of, forexample. dilute sodium hydroxide solution, at intervals. The methyl ester compound is dissolved in the previously prepared buffered lipase aqueous solution by sonication at about 37C. using from about 0.5 ml. to about 1 ml. of the lipase solution per milligram of substrate. The methyl ester group is readily hydrolyzed within a short period of time, of the order of 5 minutes to 1 hour. The course of the reaction can be followed by thin layer chromatography; when the hydrolysis is complete, the free acid can be isolated from the reaction mixture by conventional techniques, such as acidification with a dilute acid solution, e.g., using dilute hydrochloric acid, extraction with a solvent immiscible with water such as diethyl ether, ethyl acetate, chloroform, methylene chloride, and the like, evaporation of the solvent and purification of the residue by column chromatography, thin layer chromatography or liquid chromatography; good results in the separation of the acid from the lipase have been obtained by column chromatography on Florisil.

Alternatively, the 8S-antimeric compounds of formulas Xll-A and XllI-A can be obtained from the 8R- antimeric compounds of formula lX-A, which are esterified with diazomethane, the alkyl esters reduced with sodium borohydride to yield a mixture of the 88-90: and 9B-hydroxylated derivatives, which upon cleavage of the tetrahydropyranyloxy moiety and chemical or enzymatic hydrolysis of the alkyl ester group afford the respective compounds Xll-A and Xlll- A.

The 8R-antimeric compounds of formula X-A can be converted into the corresponding SS-antimers of formula XIV-A by strong alkaline treatment, preferably by treatment with an alkali metal alkoxide such as sodium metho xide or potassium methoxide in methanol solution. This reaction is conducted under nitrogen or argon atmosphere. using from about l.l to about 4 molar equivalents of the alkali metal alkoxide per mol of starting compound, at room temperature for a period of time of the order of 10 minutes to 1 hour, followed by .treatment with a strong mineral acid such as hydrochloric acid, to liberate the free prostadienoic acid from the alkaline salt formed during the reaction. In the preferred embodiments, the reaction is conducted using 2 molar equivalents of the alkali metal alkoxide per mol of compound X-A, for a period of time of about minutes.

Upon esterification, of an 8S-antimeric compound XIV-A with diazomethane followed by reduction with sodium borohydride as mentioned above in detail with regard to the transformation of compound X-A into Xll-A and XIII-A there are obtained the corresponding 8R-9a and 9B-hydroxylated compounds of formulas XV-A and XVI-A respectively (R Me), which are converted into the corresponding free acids (XV-A and XVlA, R H) by chemical or enzymatic hydrolysis methods.

A monounsaturated compound of formula Xl-A can be converted into the the corresponding 8R-l l-keto compound of formula XVll-A by oxidation with an oxidizing reagent, e.g., using Jones reagent or Collins reagent and thereafter the tetrahydropyranyloxy group cleaved by treatment with for example 65 percent acetic acid, to yield an 8R-compound of formula XVIII-A. An SR-antimeric compound of formula XVIII-A can be conventionally esterified with etherealdiazomethane, and the methyl ester thus obtained reduced with sodium borohydride in methanol solution to yield a mixture of the corresponding 88-901 and 9B- hydroxylated compound of formulas XIX-A and XX-A,

using respectively (R Me), which are separated by chromatography and the individual isomers hydrolyzed by chemical or enzymatic methods, thus obtaining the free prostenoic acids (XIX-A and XX-A, R H).

The monounsaturated 8R-antimeric compounds of formula XVlll-A can be converted into the corresponding 8S-antimers of formula XXI-A by strong alkaline treatment, i.e., by treatment with sodium methoxide or potassium methoxide inmethanol solution followed by acidification as described hereinbefore in detail with regard to the transformation of the corresponding dienic compounds (X-A into XIV-A). By conventional esterification of compounds of formula XXI-A with ethereal diazomethane followed by reduction of the methyl ester thus obtained with sodium borohydride in methanol solution there is obtained a mix ture of the corresponding 8R-9a and 9B-hydroxy derivatives of formulas XXII-A and XXlll-A (R Me) which are separated by chromatography and the individual isomers hydrolyzed by chemical or enzymatic methods, to yield the corresponding free acids (XXII-A and XXlll-A, R H).

When the above-described reaction sequences (V-A through XXlll-A) are performed using the isomeric compound having the hydroxy group in B-conliguration as starting material (V-B) there will be obtained in each and every step of the process the corresponding ISB-substituted (prostaglandin numbering) derivative (VI-A through XXIII-B).

Similarly, when starting from the antimeric compounds having the difluoromethylene group in B-orientation and the hydroxyl group in a orientation (V-C) there will be produced in each and every step of the process the corresponding antimeric compounds (VI-C through XXlll-C). Also, starting from compounds of formula V-D, there will be produced in each an every step of the process the corresponding antimeric com pounds (VI-D through XXlll-D).

By substitution of a racemic mixture of the compounds of Formula A-l corresponding to the individual antimeric compounds of Formula A-l depicted above there are obtained racemic mixtures at each and every stage of the process. Thus, carrying out the process racemic (Tot-hydroxy- 4'a-acetoxy-5'B-formylcyclopent-l'ayl)-acetic acid l,2'-lactone as starting material yields, for example, a racemic mixture of the compounds of formula X-A and its antimeric compounds of Formula XIV-A.

Other racemic mixtures which may be noted, in addition to the compounds of formulas X-A and XIV-D, are, for example, the compounds of formulas:

X-B and XlV-C Xll-A and XVl-D Xll-B and XVI-C Xlll-A and XV-D Xlll-B and XV-C XlV-A and X-D XIV-B and X-C XV-A and Xlll-D XVB and Xlll-C XVI-A and Xll-D XVI-B and Xll-C XVlll-A and XXI-D XVlll-B and XXI-C XXI-A and .XVlll-D XXI-B and XVlIl-C XXll-A and XX-D XXll-B and XX-C XXlll-A and XlX-D XXlll-B and XlX-C XlX-A and XXlll-D XlX-B and XXlll-C XX-A and XXll-D XX-B and XXII-C The compounds of the present invention further substituted by a methyl or ethyl group at the C-l 5 position can be obtained by a process illustrated by the following sequence of reactions in which, to avoid undue prolixity, each formula covers antimeric compounds and a racemic mixtures as well:

XXVIII wherein R, R and Z and the wavy lines()have the above-indicated meaning and R is methyl or ethyl, provided that when the side chain attached to the C-l2 position is B, the difluoromethylene group at C-1 1, I2 is in a-configuration only and when the side chain attached to the 012 position is a, the difluoromethylene group at C-1 1, I2 is in ,B-configuration only.

Formula XXIV is a composite of antimeric compounds of formulas:

XII-A, XIII-A, XV-A, XVI-A, XIX-A, XX-A, XXII-A and XXIII-A; and XII-B, XIII-B, XV-B, XVI-B, XIX-B, XX-B, XXII-B and XXIII-B; and XII-C, XIII-C, XV-C, XIX-C, XX-C, XXII-C and XXIII-C; and XII-D, XIII- D, XV-D, XVI-D, XIX-D, XX-D, XXII-D and XXIII-D.

When the compounds of formula XXIV are racemic mixtures, for example, a racemic mixture of the compounds of formula XII-A and XVI-D rather than an individual antimer, it is to be understood that racemic mixtures of the compounds of formulas XXV, XXVI, XXVII, XXVIII and XXIX are thereby obtained.

In practicing the process illustrated above, a compound of formula XXIV (racemic or individual antimer) is selectively oxidized at C- with an excess of manganese dioxide or 2,3-dichloro-5,6-dicyano-l,4- benzoquinone in a suitable inert organic solvent, e.g., chloroform, tetrahydrofuran, dioxane and the like to produce the corresponding IS-keto compound of formula XXV. When manganese dioxide is used as reagent. this reaction is conducted at room temperature, for a period of time of about l8 to hours. under vigorous stirring, using preferably chloroform or tetrahydrofuran as solvents. The oxidizing agent is added portionwise at 4-6 hours intervals. When the oxidation is effected using 2,3-dichloro-5 ,6-dicyano-l ,4-benzoquinone as reagent, the reaction is preferably conducted at C. using particularly dioxane as solvent, for a period of time of the order of 14 to 2 hours.

COOR R 2 OH XXIX preferably for about 18 hours. In any case the course of the reaction can be followed by thin layer chromatography or by periodic determination of the ultraviolet spectrum. When the reaction is complete the oxidizing agent is separated by filtration and the reaction product isolated by conventional techniques such as evaporation of the solvcntand purifica tion of the residue by thin layer chromatography or chromatography on Florisil.

Upon reaction of a compound of formula XXV with methylor ethyllithium or the corresponding alkylmagnesium halide, there is obtained a mixture of the corresponding ISa-alkyl-ISB-hydroxy and lSB-alkyl-lSahydroxy compounds of formulas XXVI and XXVII, respectively, in which R is methyl. In the preferred embodiments, the reaction is carried out using preferably 1.1 to L2 molar equivalents of the alkyllithium, or from 6 to 12 molar equivalents of the alkylmagnesium halide per molar equivalent of starting compound, using ether or tetrahydrofuran as solvent, at a temperature comprised between -78C to room temperature, for a period of time of the order of 2 to 10 hours and under an inert atmosphere, preferably under argon atmosphere. The mixture of lSa-hydroxy-ISB-alkyland hydroxy-lSa-alkyl compounds thus obtained is separated by thin layer chromatographic techniques, and the methyl ester group in compounds XXVI and XXVII (R Me) is in turn saponified preferably by enzymatic methods, to yield the corresponding ISa-hydroxy-l 53- alkyl and lSB-hydroxy-l5a-alkyl-prostadicnoic or prostcnoic acids (XXVI and XXVll, R" H).

The 9-keto compounds of formulas XXVlll and XXIX (R H) are obtained by oxidation of compounds XXVI and XXVll (R Me or H respectively, using particularly chromium trioxide-dipyridine complex (Collins reagent) or an 8N chromic acid in acetone solution (Jones reagent) followed by enzymatic hydrolysis of the methyl ester group, when required.

The salt derivatives of the prostadienoic and prostenoic acids of the present invention (individual antimers or racemic mixtures) can be prepared by treating the corresponding free acids with about one molar equivalent of a pharmaceutically acceptable base per molar equivalent of free acid. Suitable pharmaceutically acceptable bases include, for example, sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, ammonium hydroxide, calcium hydroxide, trimethylamine, triethylamine, tripropylamine, ,B-(dimethylamino) ethanol, B-(diethylamino) ethanol, arginine, lysine, caffeine, procaine or the like. Typically, the reaction is conducted in an aqueous solution, alone or in combination with an inert, water miscible organic solvent, at a temperature of about from to 30C, preferably at room temperature.

Typical inert, water miscible organic solvents include methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, butanol, dioxane or tetrahydrofuran. When divalent metal salts are 'prepared, such as the calcium salts or magnesium salts, the free acid starting material is treated with at least one half molar equivalent of the pharmaceutically acceptable base.

ln conducting the. aforedescribed processes, it is generally preferred to separate or isolate the respective products of each reaction step prior to their use as starting materials in subsequent steps. Illustrative nonlimiting separation and isolation procedures can be had by reference to the appropriate Example set forth herein below.

Also although the above processes, for purposes of simplicity, have been described with respect to tetrahydropyran and acetate protecting groups, other conventional suitable ether and ester protecting groups could, of course, also beused.

The starting materials used in the above described process, i.e., 1'R-(2'a-hydroxy-4a-acetoxy-5'B- formylcyclopent-l 'a-yl)-acetic acid 1,2-lactone, or its racemate are prepared in accordance with the methods described, for example, by E. J. Corey et al, in J. Am. Chem. S00, 91, page 5675 (1969); J. Am. Chem. $00., 92, page 397 (1970); J. Am. Chem. 800., 93, pages 1489, 1490 and 1491 (1971) and references cited therein, as illustrated by the following sequence of reactions:

l R 0 M CH2 Q (5 (2) wherein R represents methyl or benzyl;

R represents hydrogen or acetyl; and

M represents sodium or thallium.

Briefly, this method comprises the reaction of cyclopentadienylsodium or cyclopentadienyl thallium (1), obtained by reaction of cyclopentadiene with sodium hydride or aqueous thallous sulfate in the presence of potassium hydroxide (E. J. Corey et al, J. Am. Chem. 500., 93, page 1489 (1971 with a slight excess of chloromethylmethylethcr or chloromethylbcnzylether in tetrahydrofuran at approximately C, to yield respectively the 5-methoxymethyl-1,3- cyclopentadiene (2, R methyl) or 5- benzyloxymethyl-l ,3-cyclopentadiene (2, R benzyl) which are subjected to the Diels-Alder reaction with an excess (about 5 molar equivalents) of 2- chloroacrylonitrile in the presence of cupric fluoroborate as catalyst to yield a mixture of the endo-exo cyano nitriles of formulas (3) and (4) (R methyl or benzyl,

respectively). This mixture of stereoisomeric nitriles is treated with potassium hydroxide in dimethylsulfoxide to yield the anti-bicyclic ketones of formula (5), i.e., 7-syn-methoxymethyl-2-norbornen-5-one (R methyl) or 7-syn-benzyloxymethyl-2-norbornen-5-one (R benzyl) respectively, which upon reaction with a slight molar excess of m-chloro-perbenzoic acid in methylene chloride in the presence of sodium bicar bonate result in selective Baeyer-Villiger oxidation to form the corresponding lactone (6), namely 2-oxa-3- oxo-A -8-syn-methoxymethylbicyclo (3.2.1 )-octane, 5: methyl) and 2-oxa-3-oxo-A -8-syn-benzyloxymcthylbicyclo (3.2.1) octane (R benzyl). Saponification of the foregoing lactones of formula (6) with 2.5 equivalents of sodium hydroxide in aqueous methanol, followed by neutralization with carbon dioxide and treatment with 2.5 equivalents of aqueous potassium triiodide solution at 0 to 5C produce the respective.

racemic hydroxyiodolactones of formula (7). The l'R- antimers of (7), namely 1'R-(2a,4'a-dihydroxy- 3 'B-iodo-S 'B-benzyloxymethylcyclopent-1 'a-yl )-acetic acid 1,2'-lactone (7, R benzyl, R H) and 1'R- (2'01, 4'a-dihydroxy-3'fi-iodo-5'B- methoxymethylcyclopent-la-yl)-acetic acid 1,2-

lactone (7, R methyl, R H) are obtained as described by E. J. Corey et al, in J. Am. Chem. Soc. 93, 1491 (1971) and in J. Am. Chem. Soc. 92, 397 (1970) respectively, via base catalyzed hydrolysis of the corresponding lactone (6) to the hydroxyacid, resolution of the hydroxyacid as the (+)-amphetamine salt for the benzyloxymethyl compound or as the (-)-ephedrine salt for the methoxymethyl compound and iodolactonization of the respective l'R-antimeric acid. The racemic compounds of formula (7) or the lR-antimers thereof are then esterified with acetic anhydride in pyridine, under conventional conditions to yield the corresponding acetoxy compound, (7, R acetyl). The racemic compound or the l'R-antimer is then submitted to deiodination using tri-n-butyl tin hydride in the presence of catalytic amounts of azobisisobutyronitrile in benzene solution and thence to cleavage of the S'B- benzyloxymethyl or S'B-methoxymethyl group to produce the hydroxymethyl compound (8) (Racemic or l'R-antimer).

The benzyloxymethyl group is cleaved by hydrogenolysis in the presence of palladium charcoal and perchloric acid as catalysts, in a suitable organic solvent. The methoxymethyl group is hydrolyzed by reaction with boron tribromide in methylene chloride at a temperature comprised between about 78C to 0C.

Oxidation of a hydroxymethyl compound (8) (racemic or 1 'R-antimer) with chromium trioxide-dipyridine complex (prepared as described by J. C. Collins et al. in Tetrahedron Letters, page 3363, (1968) in methylene chloride solution at about 0C, affords respectively the racemic or lR-antimeric aldehyde of formula Al.

The compounds, esters and salts of the invention exhibit prostaglandin-like biological activities and thus are useful in the treatment of mammals where the use of prostaglandins are indicated. The compounds, esters and salts of the invention are bronchodilators and thus are useful in treating mammals for bronchial spasm or wherever strong bronchodilators are indicated. These compounds are also useful in controlling or palliating hypertension in mammals and further exhibit central nervous system depressant activity in mammals, and are useful as sedatives. In addition, the compounds are useful for inducing labor, in pregnancy, and for inducing menses to correct or reduce menstrual abnormalities.

The compounds and/or salts, of the invention, can be administered in a wide variety of dosage forms, either alone or in combination with other pharmaceutically compatible medicaments, in the form of pharmaceutical compositions suited for oral or parenteral administration or inhalation in the case of bronchodilators. The compounds are typically administered as pharmaceutical compositions consisting essentially of the compounds and/or salts, of the invention, and a pharmaceutical carrier. The pharmaceutical carrier can be either a solid material, liquid, or aerosol, in which the compound and/or salt is dissolved, dispersed or suspended, and can optionally contain small amounts of preservatives and/or pl-l buffering agents. Suitable preservatives which can be used include, for example, benzyl alcohol and the like. Suitable buffering agents include, for example, sodium acetate and pharmaceutical phosphate salts and the like.

The liquid compositions can, for example, be in the form of solutions, emulsions, suspensions, syrups or elixirs. The solid compositions can take the form of tablets, powders, capsules, pills or the like, preferably in unit dosage forms for simple administration or precise dosages. Suitable solid carriers include, for example, pharmaceutical grades of starch, lactose, sodium saccharin, talcum, sodium bisulfite and the like.

For inhalation administration, the compounds and/or salts can, for example, be administered as an aerosol comprising the compounds or salts in an inert propellant together with a co-solvent (e.g., ethanol) together with optional preservatives and buffering agents. Additional general information concerning the inhalation administration of aerosols can be had by reference to US. Pat. Nos. 2,868,691 and 3,095,355.

The compounds of this invention are typically administered in dosages of about from 0.01 to 10 mg. per kg. of body weight. The precise effective dosage will, of course, vary depending upon the mode of administration, condition being treated and host.

A further understanding of the invention can be had from the following Preparations and Examples, however they are not intended to limit its scope. Further, when individual antimers are used as starting materials, antimeric compounds are obtained as products, while when racemic mixtures are used as starting materials, the products obtained are racemates. Also where needed, Examples are repeated to provide starting materials for subsequent Examples.

PREPARATION l.

sium sulfate and 1200 ml. of methylene chloride is cooled to a temperature of between to 5 5C in a dry ice-acetonitrile bath, and the stirred cold solution is saturated with anhydrous hydrogen chloride gas. The reaction mixture is kept at -50 to C for 10 minutes further, and then the excess of hydrogen chloride is eliminated by passing a stream of nitrogen during 30 minutes. The reaction mixture is filtered and the solid material washed well with pentane, and the combined filtrates are evaporated to dryness at a temperature below 30C, to produce an oil which is then distilled under reduced pressure to yield chloromethyl benzyl ether.

C. A suspension of 132 g. of cyclopentadienylthallium in 200 ml. of anhydrous ether is cooled to -20C in a dry ice-carbon tetrachloride bath. To the cooled mixture are added under stirring and under an argon atmosphere, in a l5 minute period, g. of chloromethyl benzyl ether. The reaction mixture is stirred for 3 V2 hours at 20C, it is then filtered in a filtration flask previously cooled to 78C and the solid precipitate washed with cold pentane (-78C).

The filtered solution is immediately added to a mixture of 2l6 g. of anhydrous a-ehloroacrylonitrile and 30 g. of anhydrous cupric fluoroborate, previously cooled to 78C. The reaction mixture is evaporated to half its original volume at a temperature not higher than 0C, and the concentrate is stirred at 0C for 48 hours. The reaction mixture is then poured into 200 ml. 

1. A COMPOUND SELECTED FROM THE GROUP OF ANTIMERS AND RACEMIC MIXTURES THEREOF OF THE FORMULA:
 2. The antimeric compounds of Formula (I) of claim 1 wherein R2 is keto and the side chain attached at the 12-position is Beta , the compounds of the formulas:
 3. The antimeric compounds of Formula (I) of claim 1 wherein R2 is
 4. The antimeric compounds of Formula (I) of claim 1 wherein R2 is
 5. The antimeric compounds of Formula (I) of claim 1 wherein R2 is keto and the side chain attached at the 12-position is Alpha , the compounds of the formulas:
 6. The antimeric compounds of Formula (I) of claim 1 wherein R2 is
 7. The antimeric compounds of formula (I) of claim 1 wherein R2 is keto and the side chain attached at the 12-position is Alpha , the compounds of the formulas:
 8. The antimeric compounds of Formulas (A), and (B) of claim 2 wherein R3 is Alpha and the hydroxyl group, attached to the same carbon atom as R3, is Beta , the compounds of the formulas:
 9. The antimeric compounds of Formulas (C), and (D) of claim 3 wherein R3 is Alpha and the hydroxyl group, attached to the same carbon atom as R3, is Beta , the compounds of the formulas:
 10. The antimeric compounds of Formulas (E) and (F) of claim 4 wherein R3 is Alpha and the hydroxyl group, attached to the same carbon atom as R3, is Beta , the compounds of the formulas:
 11. The antimeric compounds of Formulas (G) and (H) of claim 5 wherein R3 is Alpha and the hydroxyl group, attached to the same carbon atom as R3, is Beta , the compounds of the formulas:
 12. The antimeric compounds of Formulas (J) and (K) of claim 6 wherein R3 is Alpha and the hydroxyl group, attached to the same carbon atom as R3, is Beta , the compounds of the formulas:
 13. The antimeric compounds of Formulas (L) and (M) of claim 7 wherein R3 is Alpha and the hydroxyl group, attached to the same carbon atom as R3, is Beta , the compounds of the formulas:
 14. The antimeric compounds of Formulas (A) and (B) of claim 2 wherein R3 is Beta and the hydroxyl group, attached to the same carBon atom as R3, is Alpha , the compounds of the formulas:
 15. The antimeric compounds of Formulas (C) and (D) of claim 3 wherein R3 is Beta and the hydroxyl group, attached to the same carbon atom as R3, is Alpha , the compounds of the formulas:
 16. The antimeric compounds of Formulas (E) and (F) of claim 4 wherein R3 is Beta and the hydroxyl group, attached to the same carbon atom as R3, is Alpha , the compounds of the formulas:
 17. The antimeric compounds of Formulas (G) and (H) of claim 5 wherein R3 is Beta and the hydroxyl group, attached to the same carbon atom as R3, is Alpha , the compounds of the formulas:
 18. The antimeric compounds of Formulas (J) and (K) of claim 6 wherein R3 is Beta and the hydroxyl group, attached to the same carbon atom as R3, is Alpha , the compounds of the formulas:
 19. The antimeric compounds of Formulas (L) and (M) of claim 7 wherein R3 is Beta and the hydroxyl group, attached to the same carbon atom as R3, is Alpha , the compounds of the formulas:
 20. The racemic mixture of the compounds of Formula (A'') of claim 8,
 21. The racemic mixture of the compounds of Formula (B'') of claim 8,
 22. The racemic mixture of the compounds of Formula (C'') of claim 9,
 23. The racemic mixture of the compounds of Formula (D'') of claim
 9. 24. The racemic mixture of the compounds of Formula (E'') of claim 10,
 25. The racemic mixture of the compounds of Formula (F'') of claim 10,
 26. The racemic mixture of the compounds of Formula (G'') of claim
 11. 27. The racemic mixture of the compounds of Formula (H'') of claim 11,
 28. The racemic mixture of the compounds of Formula (J'') of claim 12,
 29. The racemic mixture of the compounds of Formula (K'') of claim 12,
 30. The racemic mixture of the compounds of Formula (L'') of claim 13,
 31. The racemic mixture of the compounds of Formula (M'') of claim 13,
 32. A compound according to claim 14, formula (A'''') wherein R is n-pentyl, R3 is hydrogen and Z is a cis double bond, 8R-9-keto-11 Alpha ,12 Alpha -difluoromethylene-15 Alpha -hydroxyprosta-5-cis,13-trans-dienoic acid and the methyl ester or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
 33. A compound according to claim 14, formula (A'''') wherein R is n-pentyl, R3 is hydrogen and Z is a single bond, 8R-9-keto-11 Alpha ,12 Alpha -difluoromethylene-15 Alpha -hydroxyprost-13-trans-enoic acid and the methyl ester or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
 34. A compound according to claim 14, formula(A'''') wherein R is n-pentyl, R3 is methyl and Z is a cis double bond, 8R-9-keto-11 Alpha ,12 Alpha -difluoromethylene-15 Beta -methyl-15 Alpha -hydroxyprosta-5-cis,13-trans-dienoic acid and the Methyl ester or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
 35. A compound according to claim 14, formula (A'''') wherein R is n-pentyl, R3 is methyl and Z is a single bond, 8R-9-keto-11 Alpha ,12 Alpha -difluoromethylene-15 Beta -methyl-15 Alpha -hydroxyprost-13-trans-enoic acid and the methyl ester or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
 36. A compound according to claim 14, formula (A'''') wherein R is n-heptyl, R3 is hydrogen and Z is a cis double bond, 8R-9-keto-11 Alpha ,12 Alpha -difluoromethylene-15 Alpha -hydroxy-20-ethylprosta-5-cis,13-trans-dienoic acid and the methyl ester or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
 37. A compound according to claim 14, formula (A'''') wherein R is n-heptyl, R3 is hydrogen and Z is a single bond, 8R-9-keto-11 Alpha ,12 Alpha -difluoromethylene-15 Alpha -hydroxy-20-ethylprost-13-trans-enoic acid and the methyl ester or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
 38. A compound according to claim 14, formula (B'''') wherein R is n-pentyl, R3 is hydrogen and Z is a cis double bond, 8S-9-keto-11 Alpha ,12 Alpha -difluoromethylene-15 Alpha -hydroxy-8 Beta -prosta-5-cis,13-trans-dienoic acid and the methyl ester or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
 39. A compound according to claim 14, formula (B'''') wherein R is n-pentyl, R3 is hydrogen and Z is a single bond, 8S-9-keto-11 Alpha ,12 Alpha -difluoromethylene-15 Alpha -hydroxy-8 Beta -prost-13-trans-enoic acid and the methyl ester or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
 40. A compound according to claim 14, formula (B'''') wherein R is n-pentyl, R3 is methyl and Z is a cis double bond, 8S-9-keto-11 Alpha ,12 Alpha -difluoromethylene-15 Beta -methyl-15 Alpha -hydroxy-8 Beta -prosta-5-cis,13-trans-dienoic acid and the methyl ester or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
 41. A compound according to claim 14, formula (B'''') wherein R is n-pentyl, R3 is methyl and Z is a single bond, 8S-9-keto-11 Alpha ,12 Alpha -difluoromethylene-15 Beta -methyl-15 Alpha -hydroxy-8 Beta -prost-13-trans-enoic acid and the methyl ester or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
 42. A compound according to claim 14, formula (B'''') wherein R is n-heptyl, R3 is hydrogen and Z is a cis double bond, 8S-9-keto-11 Alpha ,12 Alpha -difluoromethylene-15 Alpha -hydroxy-20-ethyl-8 Beta -prosta-5-cis,13-trans-dienoic acid and the methyl ester or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
 43. A compound according to claim 14, formula (B''''), wherein R is n-heptyl, R3 is hydrogen and Z is a single bond, 8S-9-keto-11 Alpha ,12 Alpha -difluoromethylene-15 Alpha -hydroxy-20-ethyl-8 Beta -prost-13-trans-enoic acid and the methyl ester or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
 44. A compound according to claim 15, formula (C'''') wherein R is n-pentyl, R3 is hydrogen and Z is a cis double bond, 8S-11 Alpha ,12 Alpha -difluoromethylene-9 Alpha ,15 Alpha -dihydroxyprosta-5-cis,13-trans-dienoic acid and the methyl ester or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
 45. A compound according to claim 15, formula (C'''') wherein R is n-pentyl, R3 is hydrogen and Z is a single bond, 8S-11 Alpha ,12 Alpha -difluoromethylene-9 Alpha ,15 Alpha -dihydroxyprost-13-trans-enoic acid and the methyl ester or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
 46. A compound according to claim 15, formula (C'''') wherein R is n-pentyl, R3 is methyl and Z is a cis double bond, 8S-11 Alpha , 12 Alpha -difluoromethylene-15 Beta -methyl-9 Alpha ,15 Alpha -dihydroxyprosta-5-cis,13-trans-dienoic acid and the methyl ester or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
 47. A compound according to claim 15, formula (C'''') wherein R is n-pentyl, R3 is methyl and Z is a single bond, 8S-11 Alpha ,12 Alpha -difluoromethylene-15 Beta -methyl-9 Alpha ,15 Alpha -dihydroxyprost-13-trans-enoic acid and the methyl ester or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
 48. A compound according to claim 15, formula (C'''') wherein R is n-heptyl, R3 is hydrogen and Z is a cis double bond, 8S-11 Alpha ,12 Alpha -difluoromethylene-9 Alpha ,15 Alpha -dihydroxy-20-ethylprosta-5-cis,13-trans-dienoic acid and the methyl ester or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
 49. A compound according to claim 15, formula (C'''') wherein R is n-heptyl, R3 is hydrogen and Z is a single bond, 8S-11 Alpha ,12 Alpha -difluoromethylene-9 Alpha ,15 Alpha -dihydroxy-20-ethylprost-13-trans-enoic acid and the methyl ester or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
 50. A compound according to claim 15 formula (D'''') wherein R is n-pentyl, R3 is hydrogen and Z is a cis double bond, 8RL-11 Alpha ,12 Alpha -difluoromethylene-9 Alpha ,15 Alpha -dihydroxy-8 Beta -prosta-5-cis,13-trans-dienoic acid and the methyl ester or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
 51. A compound according to claim 15, formula (D'''') wherein R is n-pentyl, R3 is hydrogen and Z is a single bond, 8R-11 Alpha ,12 Alpha -difluoromethylene-9 Alpha ,15 Alpha -dihydroxy-8 Beta -prost-13-trans-enoic acid and the methyl ester or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
 52. A compound according to claim 15, formula (D'''') wherein R is n-pentyl, R3 is methyl and Z is a cis double bond, 8R-11 Alpha , 12 Alpha -difluoromethylene-15 Beta -methyl-9 Alpha ,15 Alpha -dihydroxy-8 Beta -prosta-5-cis,13-trans-dienoic acid and the methyl ester or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
 53. A compound according to claim 15, formula (D'''') wherein R is n-pentyl, R3 is methyl and Z is a single bond, 8R-11 Alpha ,12 Alpha -difluoromethylene-15 Beta -methyl-9 Alpha ,15 Alpha -dihydroxy-8 Beta -prost-13-trans-enoic acid and the methyl ester or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
 54. A compound according to claim 15, formula (D'''') wherein R is n-heptyl, R3 is hydrogen and Z is a cis double bond, 8R-11 Alpha ,12 Alpha -difluoromethylene-9 Alpha ,15 Alpha -dihydroxy-20-ethyl-8 Beta -prosta-5-cis,13-trans-dienoic acid and the methyl ester or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
 55. A compound according to claim 15, formula (D'''') wherein R is n-heptyl, R3 is hydrogen and Z is a single bond, 8R-11 Alpha ,12 Alpha -difluoromethylene-9 Alpha ,15 Alpha -dihydroxy-20-ethyl-8 Beta -prost-13-trans-enoic acid and the methyl ester or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
 56. A compound according to claim 16, formula (E'''') wherein R Is n-pentyl, R3 is hydrogen and Z is a cis double bond, 8S-11 Alpha ,12 Alpha -difluoromethylene-9 Beta ,15 Alpha -dihydroxyprosta-5-cis,13-trans-dienoic acid and the methyl ester or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
 57. A compound according to claim 16, formula (E'''') wherein R is n-pentyl, R3 is hydrogen and Z is a single bond, 8S-11 Alpha ,12 Alpha -difluoromethylene-9 Beta ,15 Alpha -dihydroxyprost-13-trans-enoic acid and the methyl ester or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
 58. A compound according to claim 16, formula (E'''') wherein R is n-pentyl, R3 is methyl and Z is a cis double bond, 8S-11 Alpha , 12 Alpha -difluoromethylene-15 Beta -methyl-9 Beta ,15 Alpha -dihydroxyprosta-5-cis,13-trans-dienoic acid and the methyl ester or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
 59. A compound according to claim 16, formula (E'''') wherein R is n-pentyl, R3 is methyl and Z is a single bond, 8S-11 Alpha ,12 Alpha -difluoromethylene-15 Beta -methyl-9 Beta ,15 Alpha -dihydroxyprost-13-trans-enoic acid and the methyl ester or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
 60. A compound according to claim 16, formula (E'''') wherein R is n-heptyl, R3 is hydrogen and Z is a cis double bond, 8S-11 Alpha ,12 Alpha -difluoromethylene-9 Beta ,15 Alpha -dihydroxy-20-ethylprosta-5-cis,13-trans-dienoic acid and the methyl ester or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
 61. A compound according to claim 16, formula l(E'''') wherein R is n-heptyl, R3 is hydrogen and Z is a single bond, 8S-11 Alpha , 12 Alpha -difluoromethylene-9 Beta ,15 Alpha -dihydroxy-20-ethylprost-13-trans-enoic acid and the methyl ester or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
 62. A compound according to claim 16 formula (F'''') wherein R is n-pentyl, R3 is hydrogen and Z is a cis double bond, 8R-11 Alpha ,12 Alpha -difluoromethylene-9 Beta ,15 Alpha -dihydroxy-8 Beta -prosta-5-cis,13-trans-dienoic acid and the methyl ester or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
 63. A compound according to claim 16, formula (F'''') wherein R is n-pentyl, R3 is hydrogen and Z is a single bond, 8R-11 Alpha ,12 Alpha -difluoromethylene-9 Beta ,15 Alpha -dihydroxy-8 Beta -prost-13-trans-enoic acid and the methyl ester or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
 64. A compound according to claim 16, formula (F'''') wherein R is n-pentyl, R3 is methyl and Z is a cis double bond, 8R-11 Alpha , 12 Alpha -difluoromethylene-15 Beta -methyl-9 Beta ,15 Alpha -dihydroxy-8 Beta -prosta-5-cis,13-trans-dienoic acid and the methyl ester or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
 65. A compound according to claim 16, formula (F'''') wherein R is n-pentyl, R3 is methyl and Z is a single bond, 8R-11 Alpha ,12 Alpha -difluoromethylene-15 Beta -methyl-9 Beta ,15 Alpha -dihydroxy-8 Beta -prost-13-trans-enoic acid and the methyl ester or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
 66. A compound according to claim 16, formula (F'''') wherein R is n-heptyl, R3 is hydrogen and Z is a cis double bond, 8R-11 Alpha ,12 Alpha -difluoromethylene-9 Beta ,15 Alpha -dihydroxy-20-ethyl-8 Beta -prosta-5-cis,13-trans-dienoic acid and the methyl ester or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
 67. A compound according to claim 16, formula (F'''') wherein R is n-heptyl, R3 is hydrogen and Z is a single bond, 8R-11 Alpha ,12 Alpha -difluoromethylene-9 Beta ,15 Alpha -dihydroxy-20-ethyl-8 Beta -prost-13-trans-enoic acid and the methyl ester or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
 68. A compound according to claim 17, formula (G'''') wherein R is n-pentyl, R3 is hydrogen and Z is a cis double bond, 8S-9-keto-11 Beta , 12 Beta -difluoromethylene-15 Alpha -hydroxy-8 Beta ,12 Alpha -prosta-5-cis,13-trans-dienoic acid and the methyl ester or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
 69. A compound according to claim 17, formula (G'''') wherein R is n-pentyl, R3 is hydrogen and Z is a single bond, 8S-9-keto-11 Beta ,12 Beta -difluoromethylene-15 Alpha -hydroxy-8 Beta ,12 Alpha -prost-13-trans-enoic acid and the methyl ester or phramaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
 70. A compound according to claim 17, formula (G'''') wherein R is n-pentyl, R3 is methyl and Z is a cis double bond, 8S-9-keto-11 Beta ,12 Beta -difluoromethylene-15 Beta -mEthyl-15 Alpha -hydroxy-8 Beta ,12 Alpha -prosta-5-cis,13-trans-dienoic acid and the methyl ester or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
 71. A compound according to claim 17, formula (G'''') wherein R is n-pentyl, R3 is methyl and Z is a single bond, 8S-9-keto-11 Beta ,12 Beta -difluoromethylene -15 Beta -methyl-15 Alpha -hydroxy-8 Beta , 12 Alpha -prost-13-trans-enoic acid and the methyl ester or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
 72. A compound according to claim 17, formula (G'''') wherein R is n-heptyl, R3 is hydrogen and Z is a cis double bond, 8S-9-keto-11 Beta ,12 Beta -difluoromethylene-15 Alpha -hydroxy-20-ethyl-8 Beta ,12 Alpha -prosta-5-cis,13-trans-dienoic acid and the methyl ester or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
 73. A compound according to claim 17, formula (G'''') wherein R is n-heptyl, R3 is hydrogen and Z is a single bond, 8S-9-keto-11 Beta ,12 Beta -difluoromethylene-15 Alpha -hydroxy-20-ethyl-8 Beta ,12 Alpha -prost-13-trans-enoic acid the the methyl ester or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
 74. A compound according to claim 17, formula (H'''') wherein R is n-pentyl, R3 is hydrogen and Z is a cis double bond, 8R-9-keto-11 Beta ,12 Beta -difluoromethylene-15 Alpha -hydroxy-12 Alpha -prosta-5-cis, 13-trans-dienoic acid and the methyl ester or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
 75. A compound according to claim 17, formula (H'''') wherein R is n-pentyl, R3 is hydrogen and Z is a single bond, 8R-9-keto-11 Beta ,12 Beta -difluoromethylene-15 Alpha -hydroxy-12 Alpha -prost-13-trans-enoic acid and the methyl ester or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
 76. A compound according to claim 17, formula (H'''') wherein R is n-pentyl, R3 is methyl and Z is a cis double bond, 8R-9-keto-11 Beta ,12 Beta -difluoromethylene-15 Beta -methyl-15 Alpha -hydroxy-12 Alpha -prosta-5-cis, 13-trans-dienoic acid and the methyl ester or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
 77. A compound according to claim 17, formula (H'''') wherein R is n-pentyl, R3 is methyl and Z is a single bond, 8R-9-keto-11 Beta ,12 Beta -difluoromethylene-15 Beta -methyl-15 Alpha -hydroxy-12 Alpha -prost-13-trans-enoic acid and the methyl ester or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
 78. A compound according to claim 17, formula (H'''') wherein R is n-heptyl, R3 is hydrogen and Z is a cis-double bond, 8R-9-keto-11 Beta ,12 Beta -difluoromethylene-15 Alpha -hydroxy-20 -ethyl-12 Alpha -prosta-5-cis, 13-trans-dienoic acid and the methyl ester or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
 79. A compound according to claim 17, formula (H'''') wherein R is n-heptyl, R3 is hydrogen and Z is a single bond, 8R-9-keto-11 Beta ,12 Beta -difluoromethylene-15 Alpha -hydroxy-20-ethyl-12 Alpha -prost-13-trans-enoic acid and the methyl ester or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
 80. A compound according to claim 18, formula (J'''') wherein R is n-pentyl, R3 is hydrogen and Z is a cis double bond, 8R-11 Beta , 12 Beta -difluoromethylene-9 Alpha ,15 Alpha -dihydroxy-8 Beta , 12 Alpha -prosta-5-cis, 13-trans-dienoic acid and the methyl ester or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
 81. A compound according to claim 18, formula (J'''') wherein R is n-pentyl, R3 is hydrogen and Z is a single bond, 8R-11 Beta ,12 Beta -difluoromethylene-9 Alpha ,15 Alpha -dihydroxy-8 Beta , 12 Alpha -prost-13-trans-enoic acid and the methyl ester or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
 82. A compound accorDing to claim 18, formula (J'''') wherein R is n-pentyl, R3 is methyl and Z is a cis double bond, 8R-11 Beta , 12 Beta -difluoromethylene-15 Beta -methyl-9 Alpha ,15 Alpha -dihydroxy-8 Beta ,12 Alpha -prosta-5-cis,13-trans-dienoic acid and the methyl ester or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
 83. A compound according to claim 18, formula (J'''') wherein R is n-pentyl, R3 is methyl and Z is a single bond, 8R-11 Beta ,12 Beta -difluoromethylene-15 Beta -methyl-9 Alpha ,15 Alpha -dihydroxy-8 Beta ,12 Alpha -prost-13-trans-enoic acid and the methyl ester or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
 84. A compound according to claim 18, formula (J'''') wherein R is n-heptyl, R3 is hydrogen and Z is a cis double bond, 8R-11 Beta , 12 Beta -difluoromethylene-9 Alpha ,15 Alpha -dihydroxy-20-ethyl-8 Beta ,12 Alpha -prost-5-cis,13-trans-dienoic acid and the methyl ester or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
 85. A compound according to claim 18, formula (J'''') wherein R is n-heptyl, R3 is hydrogen and Z is a single bond, 8R-11 Beta ,12 Beta -difluoromethylene-9 Alpha ,15 Alpha -dihydroxy-20-ethyl-8 Beta ,12 Alpha -prost-13-trans-enoic acid and the methyl ester or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
 86. A compound according to claim 18, formula (K'''') wherein R is n-pentyl, R3 is hydrogen and Z is a cis double bond, 8S-11 Beta , 12 Beta -difluoromethylene-9 Alpha ,15 Alpha -dihydroxy-12 Alpha -prosta-5-cis,13-trans-dienoic acid and the methyl ester or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
 87. A compound according to claim 18, formula (K'''') wherein R is n-pentyl, R3 is hydrogen and Z is a single bond, 8S-11 Beta ,12 Beta -difluoromethylene-9 Alpha ,15 Alpha -dihydroxy-12 Alpha -prost-13-trans-enoic acid and the methyl ester or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
 88. A compound according to claim 18, formula (K'''') wherein R is n-pentyl, R3 is methyl and Z is a cis double bond, 8S-11 Beta , 12 Beta -difluoromethylene-15 Beta -methyl-9 Alpha ,15 Alpha -dihydroxy-12 Alpha -prosta-5-cis, 13-trans-dienoic acid and the methyl ester or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
 89. A compound according to claim 18, formula (K'''') wherein R is n-pentyl, R3 is methyl and Z is a single bond, 8S-11 Beta ,12 Beta -difluoromethylene-15 Beta -methyl-9 Alpha ,15 Alpha -dihydroxy-12 Alpha -prost-13-trans-enoic acid and the methyl ester or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
 90. A compound according to claim 18, formula (K'''') wherein R is n-heptyl, R3 is hydrogen and Z is a cis double bond, 8S-11 Beta , 12 Beta -difluoromethylene-9 Alpha ,15 Alpha -dihydroxy-20-ethyl-12 Alpha -prosta-5-cis,13-trans-dienoic acid and the methyl ester or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
 91. A compound according to claim 18, formula (K'''') wherein R is n-heptyl, R3 is hydrogen and Z is a single bond, 8S-11 Beta ,12 Beta -difluoromethylene-9 Alpha ,15 Alpha -dihydroxy-20-ethyl-12 Alpha -prost-13-trans-enoic acid and the methyl ester or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
 92. A compound according to claim 19 formula (L'''') wherein R is n-pentyl, R3 is hydrogen and Z is a cis double bond, 8R-11 Beta , 12 Beta -difluoromethylene-9 Beta ,15 Alpha -dihydroxy-8 Beta , 12 Alpha -prosta-5-cis,13-trans-dienoic acid and the methyl ester or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
 93. A compound according to claim 19, formula (L'''') wherein R is n-pentyl, R3 is hydrogen and Z is a single bond, 8R-11 Beta ,12 Beta -difluoromethylene-9 Beta ,15 Alpha -dihydroxy-8 Beta ,12 Alpha -prost-13-trans-enoic acid and the methyl ester or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
 94. A compound according to claim 19, formula (L'''') wherein R is n-pentyl, R3 is methyl and Z is a cis double bond, 8R-11 Beta , 12 Beta -difluoromethylene-15 Beta -methyl-9 Beta ,15 Alpha -dihydroxy-8 Beta ,12 Alpha -prosta-5-cis,13-trans-dienoic acid and the methyl ester or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
 95. A compound according to claim 19, formula (L'''') wherein R is n-pentyl, R3 is methyl and Z is a single bond, 8R-11 Beta ,12 Alpha -difluoromethylene-15 Beta -methyl-9 Beta ,15 Alpha -dihydroxy-8 Beta ,12 Alpha -prost-13-trans-enoic acid and the methyl ester or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
 96. A compound according to claim 19, formula (L'''') wherein R is n-heptyl, R3 is hydrogen and Z is a cis double bond, 8R-11 Beta , 12 Beta -difluoromethylene-9 Beta ,15 Beta -dihydroxy-20-ethyl-8 Beta ,12 Alpha -prosta-5-cis,13-trans-dienoic acid and the methyl ester or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
 97. A compound according to claim 19, formula (L'''') wherein R is n-heptyl, R3 is hydrogen and Z is a single bond, 8R-11 Beta ,12 Beta -difluoromethylene-9 Beta ,15 Beta -dihydroxy-20-ethyl-8 Beta ,12-prost-13-trans-enoic acid and the methyl ester or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
 98. A compound according to claim 19, formula (M'''') wherein R is n-pentyl, R3 is hydrogen and Z is a cis double bond, 8S-11 Beta ,12 Beta -difluoromethylene-9 Beta ,15 Beta -dihydroxy-12 Alpha -prosta-5-cis,13-trans-dienoic acid and the methyl ester or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
 99. A compound according to claim 19, formula (M'''') wherein R is n-pentyl, R3 is hydrogen and Z is a single bond, 8S-11 Beta ,12 Beta -difluoromethylene-9 Beta ,15 Alpha -dihydroxy-12-prost-13-trans-enoic acid and the methyl ester or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
 100. A compound according to claim 19, formula (M'''') wherein R is n-pentyl, R3 is methyl and Z is a cis double bond, 8S-11 Beta ,12 Beta -difluoromethylene-15 Beta -methyl-9 Beta ,15 Alpha -dihydroxy-12 Alpha -prosta-5-cis,13-trans-dienoic acid and the methyl ester or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
 101. A compound according to claim 19, formula (M'''') wherein R is n-pentyl, R3 is methyl and Z is a single bond, 8S-11 Beta ,12-difluoromethylene-15-methyl-9 Beta ,15 Alpha -dihydroxy-12 Alpha -prost-13-trans-enoic acid and the methyl ester or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
 102. A compound according to claim 19, formula (M'''') wherein R is n-heptyl, R3 is hydrogen and Z is a cis double bond, 8S-11 Beta ,12-difluoromethylene-9 Beta ,15 Alpha -dihydroxy-20-ethyl-12-prosta-5-cis,13-trans-dienoic acid and the methyl ester or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
 103. A compound according to claim 19, formula (M'''') wherein R is n-heptyl, R3 is hydrogen and Z is a Single bond, 8S-11 Beta , 12 Beta -difluoromethylene-9 Beta ,15-dihydroxy-20-ethyl-12-prost-13-trans-enoic acid and the methyl ester or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
 104. The racemic mixture of claim 20 wherein R is n-pentyl, R3 is hydrogen and Z is a cis double bond, 9-keto-11 Alpha ,12 Alpha -difluoromethylene-15 Beta -hydroxyprosta-5-cis,13-trans-dienoic acid and its mirror image, 9-keto-11 Beta ,12 Beta -difluoromethylene-15 Alpha -hydroxy-8 Beta ,12 Alpha -prosta-5-cis,13-trans-dienoic acid and the methyl ester or pharmaceutically accepTable salts thereof.
 105. The racemic mixture of claim 20 wherein R is n-pentyl, R3 is hydrogen and Z is a single bond, 9-keto-11 Beta ,12 Alpha -difluoromethylene-15 Beta -hydroxyprost-13-trans-enoic acid and its mirro image, 9-keto-11 Beta ,12 Beta -difluoromethylene-15 Alpha -hydroxy-8 Beta ,12 Alpha -prost-13-trans-enoic acid and the methyl ester or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
 106. The racemic mixture of claim 21 wherein R is n-pentyl, R3 is hydrogen and Z is a cis double bond, 9-keto-11 Alpha ,12 Alpha -difluoromethylene-15-hydroxy-8 Beta -prosta-5-cis-13-trans-dienoic acid and its mirror image, 9-keto-11 Beta ,12 Beta -difluoromethylene-15 Alpha -hydroxy-12 Alpha -prosta-5-cis,13-trans-dienoic acid and the methyl ester or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
 107. The racemic mixture of claim 21, wherein R is n-pentyl, R3 is hydrogen and Z is a single bond, 9-keto-11 Alpha ,12 Alpha -difluoromethylene-15 Beta -hydroxy-8 Beta -prost-13-trans-enoic acid and its mirror image, 9-keto-11 Beta ,12 Beta -difluoromethylene-15 Alpha -hydroxy-12 Alpha -prost-13-trans-enoic acid and the methyl ester or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
 108. The racemic mixture of claim 22 wherein R is n-pentyl, R3 is hydrogen and Z is a cis double bond, 11 Alpha ,12 Alpha -difluoromethylene-9 Alpha ,15 Beta -dihydroxyprosta-5-cis,13-trans-dienoic acid and its mirror image, 11 Beta ,12 Beta -difluoromethylene-9 Beta ,15 Alpha -dihydroxy-8 Beta ,12 Alpha -prosta-5-cis,13-trans-dienoic acid and the methyl ester or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
 109. The racemic mixture of claim 22 wherein in R is n-pentyl, R3 is hydrogen and Z is a single bond, 11 Alpha ,12 Alpha -difluoromethylene-9 Alpha ,15 Beta -dihydroxyprost-13-trans-enoic acid and its mirror image, 11 Beta ,12 Beta -difluoromethylene-9 Beta ,15 Alpha -dihydroxy-8 Beta ,12 Alpha -prost-13-trans-enoic acid and the methyl ester or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
 110. The racemic mixture of claim 23 wherein R is a n-pentyl, R3 is hydrogen and Z is a cis double bond, 11 Alpha ,12 Alpha -difluoromethylene-9 Alpha ,15 Beta -dihydroxy-8 Beta -prosta-5-cis,13-trans-dienoic acid and its mirror image, 11 Beta ,12 Beta -difluoromethylene-9 Beta ,15 Alpha -dihydroxy-12 Alpha -prosta-5-cis,13-trans-dienoic acid and the methyl ester or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
 111. The racemic mixture of claim 23, wherein R is n-pentyl, R3 is hydrogen and Z is a single bond, 11 Alpha ,12 Alpha -difluoromethylene-9-dihydroxy-8 Beta -prost-13-trans-enoic acid and its mirror image, 11 Beta ,12 Beta -difluoromethylene-9 Beta ,15 Alpha -dihydroxy-12 Alpha -prost-13-trans-enoic acid and the methyl ester or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
 112. The racemic mixture of claim 24 wherein R is n-pentyl, R3 is hydrogen and Z is a cis double bond, 11 Alpha ,12 Alpha -difluoromethylene-9 Beta ,15 Beta -dihydroxyprosta-5-cis-13-trans-dienoic acid and its mirror image, 11 Beta ,12 Beta -difluoromethylene-9 Alpha ,15 Alpha -dihydroxy-8 Beta ,12 Alpha -prosta-5-cis,13trans-dienoic acid and the methyl ester pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
 113. The racemic mixture of claim 24 wherein R is n-pentyl, R3 is hydrogen and Z is a single bond, 11 Alpha ,12 Alpha -difluoromethylene-9 Beta ,15 Beta -dihydroxyprost-13-trans-enoic acid and its mirror image, 11 Beta ,12 Beta -difluoromethylene-9 Alpha ,15 Alpha -dihydroxy-8 Beta ,12 Alpha -prost-13-trans-enoic acid and the methyl ester or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
 114. The racemic mixture of claim 25 wherein R is n-pentyl, R3 is hydrogen and Z is a cis double bond, 11 Alpha ,12 Alpha -difluoromethylene-9 Beta ,15 Beta -dihydroxy-8 Beta -prosta-5-cis,13-trans-dienoic acid and its mirror image, 11 Beta ,12 Beta -difluoromethylene-9 Alpha ,15 Alpha -dihydroxy-12 Alpha -prosta-5-cis,13-trans-dienoic acid and the methyl ester or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
 115. The racemic mixture of claim 25, wherein R is n-pentyl, R3 is hydrogen and Z is a single bond, 11 Alpha ,12 Alpha -difluoromethylene-9 Beta ,15 Beta -dihydroxy-8 Beta -prost-13-trans-enoic acid and its mirror image, 11 Beta ,12 Beta -difluoromethylene-9 Alpha ,15 Alpha -dihydroxy-12 Alpha -prost-13-trans-enoic acid and the methyl ester or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
 116. The racemic mixture of claim 26 wherein R is n-pentyl, R3 is hydrogen and Z is a cis double bond, 9-keto-11 Beta ,12 Beta -difluoromethylene-15 Beta -hydroxy-8 Beta ,12 Alpha -prosta-5-cis,13-trans-dienoic acid and its mirror image, 9-keto-11 Alpha , 12 Alpha -difluoromethylene-15 Alpha -hydroxyprosta-5-cis,13-trans-dienoic acid and the methyl ester or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
 117. The racemic mixture of claim 26 wherein R is n-pentyl, R3 is hydrogen and Z is a single bond, 9-keto-11 Beta ,12 Beta -difluoromethylene-15 Beta -hydroxy-8 Beta ,12 Alpha -prost-13-trans-enoic acid and its mirror image, 9-keto-11 Alpha ,12 Alpha -difluoromethylene-15 Alpha -hydroxyprost-13-trans-enoic acid and the methyl ester or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
 118. The racemic mixture of claim 27 wherein R is n-pentyl, R3 is hydrogen and Z is a cis double bond, 9-keto-11 Beta ,12 Beta -difluoromethylene-15 Beta -hydroxy-12 Alpha -prosta-5-cis,13-trans-dienoic acid and its mirror image, 9-keto-11 Alpha ,12 Alpha -difluoromethylene-15 Alpha -hydroxy-8 Beta -prosta-5-cis, 13-trans-dienoic acid and the methyl ester of pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
 119. The racemic mixture of claim 27, wherein R is n-pentyl, R3 is hydrogen and Z is a single bond, 9-keto-11 Beta ,12 Beta -difluoromethylene-15 Beta -hydroxy-12 Alpha -prost-13-trans-enoic acid and its mirror image, 9-keto-11 Alpha ,12 Alpha -difluoromethylene-15 Alpha -hydroxy-8 Beta -prost-13-trans-enoic acid and the methyl ester or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
 120. The racemic mixture of claim 28 wherein R is n-pentyl, R3 is hydrogen and Z is a cis doubld bond 11 Beta ,12 Beta -difluoromethylene-9 Alpha ,15 Beta -dihydroxy-8 Beta ,12 Alpha -prosta-5-cis-13-trans-dienoic acid and its mirror image, 11 Alpha ,12 Alpha -difluoromethylene-9 Beta ,15 Alpha -dihydroxyprosta-5-cis,13-trans-dienoic acid and the methyl ester or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
 121. The racemic mixture of claim 28 wherein R is n-pentyl, R3 is hydrogen and Z is a single bond, 11 Beta ,12 Beta -difluoromethylene-9 Alpha ,15 Beta -dihydroxy-8 Beta ,12 Alpha -prost-13-trans-enoic acid and its mirror image, 11 Alpha ,12 Alpha -difluoromethylene-9 Beta ,15 Alpha -dihydroxyprost-13-trans-enoic acid and the methyl ester or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
 122. The racemic mixture of claim 29 wherein R is n-pentyl, R3 is hydrogen and Z is a cis double bond, 11 Beta ,12 Beta -difluoromethylene-9 Alpha ,15 Beta -dihydroxy-12 Alpha -prosta-5-cis,13-trans-dienoic acid and its mirror image, 11 Alpha ,12 Alpha -difluoromethylene-9 Beta ,15 Alpha -dihydroxy-8 Beta -prosta-5-cis,13-trans-dienoic acid and the methyl ester or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
 123. The racemic mixture of claim 29, wherein R is n-pentyl, R3 is hydrogen and Z is a single bond, 11 Beta ,12 Beta -difluoromethylene-9 Alpha ,15 Beta -dihydroxy-12 Alpha -prost-13-trans-enoic acid and its mirror image, 11 Alpha ,12 Alpha -difluoromethylene-9 Beta ,15 Alpha -dihydroxy-8 Beta -prost-13-trans-enoic acid and the methyl ester or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
 124. The racemic mixture of claim 30 wherein R is n-pentyl, R3 is hydrogen and Z is a cis double bond, 11 Beta ,12 Beta -difluoromethylene-9 Beta ,15 Beta -dihydroxy-8 Beta ,12 Alpha -prosta-5-cis-13-trans-dienoic acid and its mirror image, 11 Alpha ,12 Alpha -difluoromethylene-9 Alpha ,15 Alpha -dihydroxyprosta-5-cis,13-trans-dienoic acid and the methyl ester or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
 125. The racemic mixture of claim 30 wherein R is n-pentyl, R3 is hydrogen and Z is a single bond, 11 Beta ,12 Beta -difluoromethylene-9 Beta ,15 Beta -dihydroxy-8 Beta ,12 Alpha -prost-13-trans-enoic acid and its mirror image, 11 Alpha ,12 Alpha -difluoromethylene-9 Alpha ,15 Alpha -dihydroxyprost-13-trans-enoic acid and the methyl ester or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
 126. The racemic mixture of claim 31 wherein in R is n-pentyl, R3 is hydrogen and Z is a cis double bond, 11 Beta ,12 Beta -difluoromethylene-9 Beta ,15 Beta -dihydroxy-12 Alpha -prosta-5-cis-13-trans-dienoic acid and its mirror image, 11 Alpha ,12 Alpha -difluoromethylene-9 Alpha ,15 Alpha -dihydroxy-8 Beta -prosta-5-cis,13-trans-dienoic acid and the methyl ester or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
 127. The racemic mixture of claim 31, wherein R is n-pentyl, R3 is hydrogen and Z is a single bond, 11 Beta ,12 Beta -difluoromethylene-9 Beta ,15 Beta -dihydroxy-12 Alpha -prost-13-trans-enoic acid and its mirror image, 11 Alpha ,12 Alpha -difluoromethylene-9 Alpha ,15 Alpha -dihydroxy-8 Beta -prost-13-trans-enoic acid and the methyl ester or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. 